rational

Definition of rational

based on clear thought or reason

Synonyms for rational

• cogent
• coherent
• judicious

rational in a Sentence

1. He made a rational decision after considering all options.

Why rational Matters for GRE & SAT

"rational" is a adjective that means "based on clear thought or reason" closely related to words like "cogent", "coherent", "judicious". As a word starting with R, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "rational" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "rational" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "rational" into long-term memory.

How to Remember rational

One effective way to remember "rational" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "cogent" and "coherent" and "judicious". When you encounter "rational" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "based on clear thought or reason".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "rational" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

• radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
• radical — far-reaching; major
• ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
• ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
• rampant — unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner
• rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way
• random — Made, done, or happening without method or conscious decision
• range — The extent to which something varies; a set of different things
• rapacious — very greedy
• ratify — To sign or give formal consent to, making it officially valid